5 Ways Sequestration Would Downsize the Air Force

The U.S. Air Force provided documents to Congress sketching out the service's plan for dealing with sequestration, the enormous impending budget cuts that will take effect March 1 if the federal government does not act. (Click here to download the memo.) The document is also a plea for relief from the cuts. Here's what officials are planning to do in 2013 if tens of billions of dollars disappear from the Pentagon's budget.

Fewer Flying Hours (Goodbye, Thunderbirds)

Fewer Flying Hours (Goodbye, Thunderbirds)

The Air Force flies all the time, not only for real missions, but also for training, public appearances, and engagement with other nations' militaries. Under the proposed budget cuts, the Air Force says it will reduce flying hours by 18 percent. Areas of vital importance, such as nuclear deterrence, flights over Afghanistan, and Air Force One will be spared. However, units at home will have to sacrifice training flights. Air-show enthusiasts, take note: The Thunderbirds aerobatic team would no longer appear at events.

Hiring Freezes and Furloughs

Hiring Freezes and Furloughs

The Air Force already implemented a hiring freeze for all permanent and temporary employees in January. The next step would be to release all temporary employees deemed not mission-critical—about 3200 people. In an unprecedented move, the Air Force could order a furlough of 180,000 civilians for 22 days to cut costs.